برصغیر کے اردوتفسیری ادب میں صوفیانہ رجحانات:معارف القرآن از مفتی محمد شفیع کا تجزیاتی مطالعہ

SUFI TRENDS IN URDU TAFSIRI LITERATURE OF THE SUBCONTINENT: AN ANALYTICAL STUDY OF MA'ARIF-UL-QURAN BY MUFTI MUHAMMAD SHAFI

Abstract

This research article, “Sufi Tendencies in the Exegetical Literature of the Subcontinent: An Analytical Study of Ma’ariful Qur’an by Mufti Muhammad Shafi,” presents a critical and analytical examination of Sufi themes within Urdu Qur’anic exegesis, with particular focus on Ma’ariful Qur’an. The authors explore the tradition of Sufi interpretation in the Indian subcontinent, its intellectual foundations, historical development, and practical implications, selecting Mufti Muhammad Shafi’s commentary as a representative model. While Ma’ariful Qur’an is generally regarded as a jurisprudential exegesis, the study reveals that it also addresses profound Sufi concepts such as purification of the soul (tazkiyah), spiritual training, the reality of the worldly life, detachment from materialism, reliance on Allah (tawakkul), and the dangers of religious extremism (ghuluw). Mufti Shafi’s approach is rooted in the balanced Sufi vision of Shah Waliullah and Ashraf Ali Thanwi, emphasizing reform of the individual and society within the framework of Qur’an and Sunnah. The key conclusion of the study is that Sufi interpretation plays a significant role in understanding the Qur’an—if one avoids the extremes of exaggeration or distortion. The Ma’ariful Qur’an, influenced by this moderate and scripturally grounded Sufi thought, has left a lasting impact on later Urdu tafsir literature and represents a unique blend of spiritual insight and scholarly rigor.